**9. The significance of family involvement in preschool education and care**

Family involvement is a critical component of preschool education and care. Research has consistently shown that when families are engaged in their children's learning, children are more likely to succeed academically, develop positive socialemotional skills and have better long-term outcomes. This is why it is vital for teachers and caregivers to actively seek out ways to involve families in the learning process [39]. One of the essential strategies for engaging families is regular communication. Teachers and caregivers should establish open lines of communication with families and share information about the child's learning and development. This can include daily updates, weekly newsletters, parent-teacher conferences and progress reports. It is also essential to be responsive to families' questions and concerns and to provide opportunities for families to share their insights and experiences.

Kuttner et al. [40] identified another effective way to involve families: inviting them to participate in classroom activities and events. This can include volunteer opportunities, parent workshops and family celebrations. Teachers and caregivers can create a sense of community and support by applying families in these activities and showing families they are valued partners in their child's education.

Finally, it is essential to recognise and respect families' diverse cultural backgrounds and perspectives. Teachers and caregivers should strive to create a culturally responsive learning environment that reflects and celebrates the diversity of the children and families they serve. This can include incorporating multicultural books and materials, inviting families to share their cultural traditions and practices and adapting curriculum and teaching strategies to meet each child's unique needs and interests [41].

In conclusion, family involvement is critical to preschool education and care. Teachers and caregivers can create a strong partnership that supports children's overall development and success by actively involving families in the learning process.

### **10. Quality standards for early childhood education and care programmes**

Quality standards are guidelines and criteria used to measure the quality of early childhood education and care programmes [42]. These standards ensure that children receive high-quality care and education that support their learning and development. Several quality standards are used in early childhood education and care programmes, including licencing, accreditation and programme standards.

Licencing standards are the minimum requirements a programme must meet to be licenced by the state or local government. These standards typically include provisions related to health and safety, such as staff-to-child ratios, background checks for staff and the cleanliness and security of the physical environment [43]. Accreditation standards are voluntary standards that programmes can meet to demonstrate their commitment to high-quality care and education. Accreditation standards are typically more rigorous than licencing standards and often include curriculum, teacher qualifications, family involvement and program administration requirements.

Programme standards are guidelines and criteria used to assess the quality of a programme's curriculum, teaching practices and overall program structure [44]. Programme standards may be developed by state or local government agencies, professional organisations, or advocacy groups. Some examples of quality standards in early childhood education and care programs include the National Association for the Education of Young Children's (NAEYC) accreditation standards, the Head Start Programme Performance Standards and the Quality Rating and Improvement Systems (QRIS) [45] used by many states. In addition to promoting high-quality care and education for children, quality standards provide a framework for continuous improvement. Programs that meet or exceed quality standards are more likely to provide positive outcomes for children, including improved academic and social-emotional development, and are better positioned to support the diverse needs of families and communities.

In conclusion, quality standards are essential to early childhood education and care programs. They help ensure that programs provide high-quality care and education supporting children's development and success. By meeting or exceeding quality standards, programs can demonstrate their commitment to continuous improvement and provide families with the confidence and reassurance that their children receive the best possible care and education.
